“A street named after a war hero” someone whispers. That’s the Avenue Guillaume Keyen Guillaume Keyenlaan in Auderghem. Right here before us lies a small but significant street. It’s a tribute to a brave soldier. Guillaume Keyen was a local man. He was born in Auderghem on August 17 1889. He served in the 8th Artillery Regiment during World War I. Sadly he died in battle at Hoogstade on October 9 1915.
This quiet avenue didn’t always exist. Post-war Auderghem was booming. The population swelled. New neighborhoods sprang up. A new street was inaugurated almost every month in 1925. A new road was needed to connect the Chaussée de Wavre and the Sloordelleveld. The town council decided to honor Guillaume Keyen. They named this new street after him in 1925. It was a way to remember his sacrifice. His name is forever etched into the heart of Auderghem.
The first building permit was issued on January 30 1926. Number 16 was the first building to rise on Avenue Guillaume Keyen. Imagine the builders laying the foundation stones. Imagine them shaping the homes that would soon be filled with laughter and life. The street soon became a symbol of growth and resilience. It showed the Auderghem community’s spirit and strength. It’s a street with a heart. It beats with the memory of a fallen hero.
Today Avenue Guillaume Keyen Guillaume Keyenlaan is a peaceful residential street. It’s a reminder of the past. It’s a testament to the courage of a single soldier. It’s also a symbol of the town’s remarkable growth and development. It’s a place where history and modern life blend seamlessly. It’s worth stopping to remember Guillaume Keyen. He gave his life for his country. His legacy continues to live on in this quiet street. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the story woven into the very fabric of this place. We are standing on hallowed ground.